Category: Fun

SC4 announces winter 2024 camps

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is pleased to announce four camps in baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball this winter.

“These camps provide a wonderful opportunity to learn from collegiate coaches, athletes and experts,” said SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos. “We expect these camps to fill fast and look forward to helping young athletes learn new skills this winter to improve their future success.”

All athletic camps take place in the SC4 Fieldhouse.

Limited space is available for each of the camps. For more information and to register, visit sc4.edu/camps. Email drvos@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5588 with questions.

Award-winning mezzo-soprano, renowned concert pianist to perform at SC4 Dec. 7

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) welcomes to campus award-winning mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali and sought-after pianist and vocal coach Nathalie Doucet, head of Music and Director of the Resident Opera Program at Detroit Opera, for performances at noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.

Rogali has been praised as a versatile performer of opera, musical theater, contemporary and concert music. She’s debuted roles in operas and premieres across the U.S. and world, earning top accolades from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, Jensen Foundation, Giulio Gari Foundation, Gerda Lissner Foundation and many more.

During Detroit Opera’s 2023-2024 mainstage season, Rogali will be featured as a soloist in Arias and Overtures, and Beyond the Pit. She will sing the role of Kate Pinkerton in Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” the role of The Dog in Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen,” and will cover the role of Dodo in Missy Mazzoli’s and Royce Vavrek’s “Breaking the Waves.” She also will sing the role of Der Trommler in “Der Kaiser von Atlantis” with Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings.

Rogali holds a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Pennsylvania State University.

Doucet boasts a remarkable international career. In addition to her role at the Detroit Opera, she has collaborated with renowned opera-producing organizations, singers and conductors worldwide, including the Washington National Opera, Summer Scape Festival-Fisher Center at Bard, The Dutch National Opera, l’Opéra de Montréal, the Vancouver Opera and more.

She has held esteemed positions in Europe as head coach of the Opera Studio Nederland and principal coach at the Dutch National Opera Academy. She contributed her talents to organizations such as De Nederlandse Reisopera, the NTR Saturday Matinee (Concertgebouw), the Neue Stimmen, the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, and the International Vocal Competition in s’Hertogenbosch. Additionally, she spent 11 years as a faculty member at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

Doucet also serves as a judge for the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.

The concerts on Dec. 7 are free as an SC4 Community Arts offering to encourage and support the arts in our community. No tickets are needed. For the most current list of upcoming events at SC4, visit sc4.edu/events/.

On National STEM Day, SC4 announces SC4 STEM Fest with Michigan Tech to be held March 9

>>> REGISTER HERE FOR SC4 STEM FEST

In recognition of National STEM Day on Nov. 8, St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is pleased to announce that its second annual SC4 STEM Fest will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event—which again is free and open to the public thanks to generous donations and grants—aims to spark a sense of wonder and features more than 100 hands-on, interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics exhibits by SC4 and Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers.  

“Nearly 4,000 people from more than 130 zip codes registered for our inaugural STEM Fest event last year,” said Kristin Copenhaver, SC4 chief marketing officer. “It was a huge success for our college and community, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators in STEM as well as bringing excitement, energy and economic impact to our region.”

The event’s more than 100 activities and exhibits will have learners exploring a wide array of STEM topics. Specific session highlights will be announced shortly, with the event once again taking place throughout SC4’s Fieldhouse and Clara E. Mackenzie Building / Experience Center, which includes the Challenger Learning Center at SC4 and the Dr. Bassam H. Nasr Natural Science Museum. (Visit sc4.edu/stem-fest/stem-fest-experiences/ to view a list of last year’s activities. Please keep in mind, however, that 2024 activities and exhibits will/may differ.)

Mind Trekkers is a flagship program of Michigan Technological University’s Center for Educational Outreach. Powered by undergraduate and graduate student guides, Mind Trekkers travels across the country to deliver high-energy, hands-on, STEM demonstrations to learners of all ages, inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education.

“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with SC4 with the return of Mind Trekkers to this event,” said Cassy Tefft de Muñoz, executive director of the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Technological University. “The southeast Michigan community is fortunate to have such a strong educational leader in SC4 and we are looking forward to providing another fun and engaging experience for families in the region.”

More information regarding exhibits, details and registration soon will be available—though registration is now open. RSVP for the event at sc4.edu/stem-fest/stem-fest-registration/ now and be among the first to hear updates.

To help support STEM Fest and STEM programming at SC4, visit sc4.edu/give. Please direct any questions to SC4 at (810) 989-5789 or experiencecenter@sc4.edu.

Alumni Spotlight: Sheri Faust

Current or most recent title and employer?
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Friends of the St. Clair River, Environmental Health Educator for the St. Clair County Health Department

How did SC4 help prepare you?
My experience at SC4 was rewarding because I was able to build relationships with my instructors due to the small class sizes. Some instructors evolved into personal mentors, like Bob Collins or more affectionately known as Bio Bob. He was a tremendous influence in my life as he devoted extra time out of class to spend time with students in the field teaching invaluable lessons and experiences that can’t be had in a classroom. It was his influence that convinced me I was on the right path to pursue my passion in natural resources management. Many of my instructors were influential in my early life as a young college student because they were personable, accessible and helpful. SC4 gave me the confidence to move on to a four-year university and pursue the career I was passionate about.

My various professional roles and titles have benefited from partnerships with SC4, so I’m grateful to have a long history with the College – both as a student and as a career professional. As a student, I became familiar with the landscape and culture of SC4, and when I returned back to Port Huron after college and marriage, getting reacquainted with SC4 staff and campus was familiar territory because I felt like I had a personal connection to the campus. This partnership has carried on for the duration of my career living and working in Port Huron.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
My interests, hobbies, passions and career all intersect. I think this is an ideal scenario which I feel lucky to be blessed with.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After two years at SC4, I transferred to MSU and earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management. Additional certifications, community service and awards include: Certified Planning and Zoning Citizen Planner, Planning Commissioner for Port Huron Township, Board Member for the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Blue Water Woman Government Professional of the Year award

Nationally acclaimed performer to take the SC4 stage Nov. 16

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will welcome nationally acclaimed acoustic singer and guitarist Cliff Erickson to campus for performances at noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.

Erickson—a longtime performer who’s opened for top industry icons such as Ringo Starr, Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys and Wynona Judd—brings to the stage original works along with passionate renditions of classic cover tunes.

His two albums, “Rendezvous” and “Acquired Taste,” released by Accurate Records, capture the essence of acoustic songwriting. Sales of his Christmas album, “The Spirit of Christmas,” released in 2005, raised thousands of dollars for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The Nov. 16 Cliff Erickson concerts are free as an SC4 Community Arts offering to encourage and support the arts in our community. No tickets are needed. For the most current list of upcoming events at SC4, visit sc4.edu/events/.

SC4 to present ‘KODACHROME’ by Adam Szymkowicz, Nov. 2-4

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) thespians will take the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre stage Nov. 2-4 as they present “KODACHROME” by Adam Szymkowicz.

“KODACHROME,” a “play about love, nostalgia, the seasons and how we learn to say goodbye,” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (concordtheatricals.com). Performances are scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.

“Being able to join the wonderful tradition of theater at SC4 is a true joy and an honor. Over the years, I have had the privilege of attending several top-notch productions at the College,” said James McCulloch, SC4 theater director. “For this production, we have a talented cast of students who are going to be storytellers on the stage. Adam Szymkowicz´s new play takes us to those beautiful and bittersweet moments in life. Audience members will recognize themselves and see their lives onstage in the stories of the folks who live in Colchester. The play really celebrates how life is made up of these wondrous moments, and I believe audience members will be truly impacted by the moving and beautiful scenes.”

“Kodachrome” performances are free as an SC4 Community Arts offering to encourage and support the arts in our community. No tickets are needed. SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre seats 295. For more information and the most current list of upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events. Please note that additional programming may be added and event information may change.

View image pdf here.

Hispanic American Heritage Celebration set for Oct. 27

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and the Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan will host a Hispanic American Heritage Celebration to celebrate Hispanic and Latino cultures from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.
 
The event is titled “Introducing the Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan: Our past, presence and future!” From 5 to 6:30 p.m., it will feature a panel discussion moderated by Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Thelma Castillo, and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. attendees can enjoy live music by Detroit’s PanaMO, a renowned Latin Jazz ensemble.
 
The event also will feature sample food from Doña Marina’s LLC.
 
Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan (HASM) panelists and community volunteers include:

  • Jessica Totty – HASM president, Mexican and Indigenous descent, SC4 alumna, nurse and pastor
  • Jesus Castillo – HASM member, Veteran and U.S. Army Commendation Medal recipient, Consumer’s Energy retiree, former Hispanic Council of St. Clair County chairperson
  • Eunice Castillo – HASM member, Retired Port Huron Area School District teacher in charge of the English as a Second Language Program, former Hispanic Council of St. Clair County chairperson
  • Heather Fagan – HASM member, Doña Marina’s LLC, Seed & Soul Society president and co-founder, Nicaraguan-American
  • Iris Santillano – HASM member, event planner and SC4 alumna born in Puerto Rico
  • Irma (López) Santillano – HASM member, marketing and fundraising expert who is Mexican and Puerto Rican and speaks fluent Spanish

“We invite our community to come out and learn more about our Hispanic heritage through discussion and music,” said SC4 Chief Diversity Officer Jessica Brown.
 
The event is free and open to the public. For more information on other SC4 upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events/.

SC4 Symphonic Band presents college and university ‘Colors of the Season’ concert Oct. 22

The St. Clair County Community College (SC4) Symphonic Band will perform a free college and university “Colors of the Season” concert from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre. 

Led by Erick Senkmajer—a longtime music educator and director of the SC4 Symphonic Band since 2012—the band will play fight songs and alma mater anthems. The band will also be performing a couple of Halloween-focused selections.

“Wear your college gear and cheer for your favorite teams,” Senkmajer said.

Those interested in finding Skippers gear can visit the SC4 Bookstore in the Acheson Applied Technology Center (ATC) on SC4’s campus.

All SC4 fall 2023 arts events are free and open to the public, and no tickets are needed. SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre seats 295. For the most current list of upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events. Please note that additional programming may be added and event information may change.

SC4 names new Skippers Dance head coach

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) alumna and longtime dancer Abigail Davis has been named head coach of the Skippers Dance team.   

The co-ed, collegiate Skippers Dance team was created in 2019 and is open to any SC4 student who wishes to audition. The team performs at SC4 games and events throughout the year. The Skippers will also compete against other college and university dance teams.   

Davis, who currently works as a human resources coordinator at AGS Automotive, brings years of studio, competitive and ballroom dance experience to the Skippers team.   

“We’re excited to welcome Abigail as head coach of our Dance team,” said SC4 Director of Athletics Dale Vos. “Her experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset to the team and to this institution. We look forward to more students becoming actively involved on campus and continuing their passion for dance right here at SC4.”   

“I’m excited to be able to work with this team and give back to the dance community that gave so much to me growing up,” said Davis, who earned an Associate in Arts from SC4 before earning a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Oakland University. “I look forward to serving as a coach and mentor to the students, while also getting the chance to be creative.”  

Those interested in joining SC4’s Dance team should fill out the form at sc4.edu/campus-life/athletics/athlete-interest-form/, or reach out to Davis at (810) 305-9799 or aldavis@sc4.edu with questions.  

Award-winning country artist to perform Oct. 12 at SC4

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is pleased to welcome award-winning singer, songwriter and storyteller Bob Marshall to campus for solo acoustic performances at noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.

A second-generation cowboy, Marshall has been a solo performer for more than 40 years and specializes in a mix of contemporary western sounds and originals. His eclectic taste in music is inspired by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Marty Robbins, Burl Ives, Motown, the blues greats, rock and roll, and various other singer-songwriters.

Also a member of the Bob Marshall Band, Marshall has won the Will Rogers Award for “Vocalist of the Year” (Academy of Western Artists), “Country Album of the Year” (CMA of Texas), and was a Pro Cowboy Country Artist Association (PCCAA) Nominee for “Songwriter of the Year.”

His music and personality, according to bobmarshallband.com, are “homegrown to pull the audience into a personal experience with an entertainer who knows how it is done.”

The Oct. 12 Bob Marshall concerts are free and open to the public—as are all upcoming arts events at SC4—and no tickets are needed. For the most current list of upcoming events at SC4, visit sc4.edu/events/.